Deadline broke the news that has us cheering loudly for Henry. He's just revealed he's formed his own production company with his younger brother Charlie and producer Rex Glensy, and they're now getting ready for their first project, an action thriller called Stratton.
Delighted to announce action thriller Stratton today starring Superman himself Henry Cavill! http://t.co/jT6UCc1C0r
— GFM Films (@GFM_Films) November 4, 2014
Amber are pleased to announce co-production with #henrycavill's #prometheanpictures on action thriller #STRATTON !! http://t.co/dNeBp9spwe
— Amber Entertainment (@Amber_Ent) November 4, 2014
It is based on an eight-novel series by Duncan Falconer, a pseudonym for an author who used his own military background to inform the lead character. John Stratton is an operative of the SBS who works with the Intelligence Detachment in Northern Ireland. The character seems a strong fit for Cavill, starting out in Kazakhstan and China and moving to mainland Europe and London.
Henry with his family at the Man of Steel premiere in June, 2013. Charlie pictured on the far right.
“Having the opportunity to expand my horizons into filmmaking is incredibly exciting,” Henry Cavill said. “Getting to work so closely with my brother in this venture is equally so.”
The novels were originally optioned by Ileen Maisel and Lawrence Elman’s Amber Ltd; those producers brought it to Promethean. The two companies will co-produce the film set in Southern Italy, Rome and London. Filming will begin in the spring. GFM will provide financing and make worldwide sales at AFM. Music will be done by Hothouse Music, whose credits include The Hobbit and Les Miserables.
“We’ve known Ileen and Lawrence for many years and have come to understand their unique talent in finding and developing material,” said GFM’s Michael Ryan. “In optioning Duncan Falconer’s series of books, they have unearthed a character that Henry Cavill can inhabit and run with for a truly thrilling franchise.”
Want to learn more about the character Henry is about to bring to life? here are the books the film is reportedly based on, and the author himself revealed more on his Facebook page:
I can now officially tell you that Stratton will be played by Henry Cavill. Playing the first modern SBS hero is more than just a role for Henry. He has deep seated connections with the Royal Marines. His brother is a senior officer in the Royal Marines and he has been involved in Royal Marines charity fund raising events - he recently completed a gruelling run up the rock of Gibraltar (one of my old haunts) on behalf of a Royal Marines charity. If you saw the recent YouTube video celebrating the 350th birthday of the Royal Marines (if not go check it out) Henry is the last celebrity to pay tribute.
By the end of the year he will begin an SBS training program. No calendar yet for shooting but that should be out soon.
The movie is based on the book The Hostage. However, due to certain factors, we have replaced the IRA antagonists with something more up to date - you can probably guess based on current events. Also, for technical reasons, Paris has been changed for Rome. Filming should commence in Italy Q1/2 next year and then move to London for the bulk of the shoot.
Now here's the confusing part. We decided not to use the title 'The Hostage' because it's been used a few times in recent years and it might be confusing for distribution. Because we want to make several Stratton movies, we decided to call the script STRATTON: FIRST INTO ACTION. This was meant to be a working title but it's possible it will stick. Many of you will know that as the title of my autobiography. But just to make it clear, we're not filming the biography but The Hostage. But as I said, that title might change.
So there you have it. 4 years of hard graft to get this far. Who said filming was easy?! And the reality of it is things can still go wrong. But I'm being positive and if all goes well we should see it on the big screen some time early 2016.
Thanks to all of those who helped get it this far!
The novels were originally optioned by Ileen Maisel and Lawrence Elman’s Amber Ltd; those producers brought it to Promethean. The two companies will co-produce the film set in Southern Italy, Rome and London. Filming will begin in the spring. GFM will provide financing and make worldwide sales at AFM. Music will be done by Hothouse Music, whose credits include The Hobbit and Les Miserables.
“We’ve known Ileen and Lawrence for many years and have come to understand their unique talent in finding and developing material,” said GFM’s Michael Ryan. “In optioning Duncan Falconer’s series of books, they have unearthed a character that Henry Cavill can inhabit and run with for a truly thrilling franchise.”
Want to learn more about the character Henry is about to bring to life? here are the books the film is reportedly based on, and the author himself revealed more on his Facebook page:
I can now officially tell you that Stratton will be played by Henry Cavill. Playing the first modern SBS hero is more than just a role for Henry. He has deep seated connections with the Royal Marines. His brother is a senior officer in the Royal Marines and he has been involved in Royal Marines charity fund raising events - he recently completed a gruelling run up the rock of Gibraltar (one of my old haunts) on behalf of a Royal Marines charity. If you saw the recent YouTube video celebrating the 350th birthday of the Royal Marines (if not go check it out) Henry is the last celebrity to pay tribute.
By the end of the year he will begin an SBS training program. No calendar yet for shooting but that should be out soon.
The movie is based on the book The Hostage. However, due to certain factors, we have replaced the IRA antagonists with something more up to date - you can probably guess based on current events. Also, for technical reasons, Paris has been changed for Rome. Filming should commence in Italy Q1/2 next year and then move to London for the bulk of the shoot.
Now here's the confusing part. We decided not to use the title 'The Hostage' because it's been used a few times in recent years and it might be confusing for distribution. Because we want to make several Stratton movies, we decided to call the script STRATTON: FIRST INTO ACTION. This was meant to be a working title but it's possible it will stick. Many of you will know that as the title of my autobiography. But just to make it clear, we're not filming the biography but The Hostage. But as I said, that title might change.
So there you have it. 4 years of hard graft to get this far. Who said filming was easy?! And the reality of it is things can still go wrong. But I'm being positive and if all goes well we should see it on the big screen some time early 2016.
Thanks to all of those who helped get it this far!
Launching at the AFM - Stratton starring Henry Cavill #actionhero #launchartwork pic.twitter.com/Qja82NfOrL
— GFM Films (@GFM_Films) November 4, 2014
We are so excited for Henry, and ready to bring you news about Stratton as it develops.
Congratulations to the Cavill brothers, we're behind you all the way!
This is Fantastic! (y) :D Very Exciting news for SuperCav-El, his brother Charlie, the entire Cavill family and their friends/fans worldwide. Really happy for them. Naming it Promethean Productions (after the Prometheans--the highest/most respected group of Servant Warriors & Prometheus--the Greek mythology character punished by the gods for stealing fire from heaven and giving it to humans...is Powerfully Symbolic and Metaphorical in many ways. Very Cool.
ReplyDeleteThe Duncan Falconer series sounds intriguing too. Wow...what an exciting busy spring coming. Lovely Cavill family photo with the Mama and Bros too...all very beautiful. Very nice. Thanks so much for sharing the Wonderful News and pics, HCN. (y) :) <3 Nice work, Henry & Charlie. (y) <3 <3 <3
Ah Henry this is great! You really go for it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGlad Mr Cavill is not doing 50 Shades. His ability is so much more than just a handsome face. Now with his own production company he is "large and in charge" and can choose what suits his career. Go for it Superman and may the force be with you. He is like a breath of fresh air among a group of predictable Hollywood actors. I don't even know the man and have never met him but I feel the need to wish him every success.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. I also so appreciate how close Henry seems to be with his brothers. Very refreshing.
DeleteCongrats to Henry -- this is a big move for him and a great proactive way to take control of his career. (And it's cool that he'll have his brother to rely on while navigating the Hollywood maze.)
ReplyDeleteBut that synopsis is too much...don't give it all away!
Agreed, thanks for the feedback.
DeleteDoes he really read this?.. Congratulations!!! Now on, you only need a bit of good luck and tons of wisdom ! It´s nothing :D :D :D Go for it !. And see you in the future Superman.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome!! Congratulations Henry. Wish you all the best in your career...
ReplyDeleteWooo! Very good news. I am very happy for Henry and for his brother Charly. Do you know if Henry is still working with the blonde woman who was with him during the premiere of Immortals and Man of Steel ?
ReplyDelete"What's the 'S' stand for?" STRATTON. BOOM. Love the new artwork launching at the AFM. (y) Love Henry <3 <3 <3 This is all very exciting for SuperStrattonCav-El, his family and fans. Thanks so much for the updates and pics, HCN. (y) :) <3
ReplyDeleteDuncan Falconer's comments about Henry and filming STRATTON: FIRST INTO ACTION are very Intriguing. Now I'm going to read D.F.'s books so I can really get into Henry's Storyline/Character in order to fully appreciate the Essence of Him and Everything. Thanks for the update, D.F. & HCN. (y) :) <3
ReplyDeleteSo very excited and happy for Henry and Charlie! Wishing them much success in the future and a huge bonus for the fans because this means more Henry Cavill movies. Although I love Henry as Superman, his talent deserves more than that one character. I discovered Henry in the Tudors, initially because of his commanding presence and sheer good lucks, but my respect and admiration for him has gone far beyond that. He is an amazing actor with a phenomenal work ethic. He is extremely genuine in a business that is anything but. I am old enough to be his mother, but today, I feel like a proud parent! I cold not be happier for him. He is proving that nice guys do finish first!
ReplyDeleteThis may well be Henry's James Bond.
ReplyDeleteBut...can we call the first movie just "Stratton"? The extra subtitle makes it sound like pure cheese. With extra cheese on top. And cheese on the side.
I like Cheese...Blue Cheese...Mozerella...Monteray Jack...Brie...Cheddar...Stratton Extra Subtitle Cheese... (y) :D
DeleteMe too, Other Anon, but it does give me a tummy ache more than I'd like.
DeleteI'm quite particular to Feta.
I believe Feta is Goat Cheese...if I'm not mistaken...Easier to Eat/Digest. And I agree with what you said. In other words, I like Cheese, but I don't tend to eat too much of it either. You sound like an Interesting Person, btw...we should go out for coffee and continue this lil chit chat about Cheese... :D
DeleteAh - Feta is made mostly from Sheep's Milk (occasionally mixed with a little Goat's milk) and has quite a little bite to it. Goat's cheese is made from...Goat's milk and is quite...bland, but smooth.
DeleteI also forgot fresh Mozzarella. With fresh tomatoes and basil and olive oil. Hello!
Coffee & Cheese. Sounds like a date :p
HmmmMmmm...You sound like a bit of a Cheese Connoisseur...with a touch of Refined Taste for Gourmet. Very impressive. I imagine you must be somewhat of a well-cultured, seasoned traveler as well...to have learned the intricacies of Cheese Cultivation and how it compliments certain Fresh vegetables. Etc. I might be able to learn some things from you...
DeleteI look forward to this Coffee & Cheese Date...I've had questions and interest in Cheese for years, but just haven't had it all answered. I mean...I've asked people before, "What do you know about Cheese?" And they just look at me blankly...speechless. So, I quickly switch the subject to The Weather. Anyway...
Perhaps we can fit the Cheese Date in around your work schedule...
I agree with the above post that simply "Stratton" is probably best...the second bit sounds like the title of an action movie spoof. But this is an interesting move. It's kind of an oddly sweet/naive choice, and makes you think that there are probably a lot of grown men who'd love to run around playing superheroes and black-ops agents, and HC actually gets to enact the boyhood dream. No judgement! I just think it's kind of interesting. But lucky guy to be pursuing things he's passionate about--that's the goal for all of us, right? Still, I would be interested to see him take on a non-action role--a role centered more in human drama than in extreme live action. Hopefully he'll diversify as he gets the chance. Best wishes, though!
ReplyDeleteI think His Choices are Perfect. He's already shown he can do comedy/romance/drama with Whatever Works, Tudors, Etc. And he's very good at all of it. I'm sure his Stratton role/films will have shades of these elements in them at times as well. The reason he's going for the meatier roles that have characters of substance is because they utilize his own strengths/background/relations/resources/things that interest him. He's being smart about it. I think he's making all the right moves. (y) :) <3
DeleteI think any role can be "meaty"--whether you're dealing with something extreme/exceptional in terms of an SBS operative or a superhero or not. I'm a big fan of exploring human nature through subtler, more banal things, too...although we all love thinking about characters who participate in extraordinary events. Anyways, I don't think it has to be all one or the other.
DeleteDepends what kind of career he wants. If he wants to be a Movie Star he's on the right track. If he wants to be an Act-tor, he's going to need to mix it up in between the action franchise-type movies with some comedies, some quirky indies, some drama....
DeleteSo right re: the distinction between "movie star" and actor.
Delete:D I understand...and agree. I think there's a Time and Place for Everything...and I'm sure we'll see a lil of it ALL...in Time...
ReplyDeleteIf Mr. Cavill is excited to take on the role of Stratton and start his own production company, then good for him. But honestly, I'm not so thrilled about this move. If he takes on this new franchise, then it seems unlikely he'll ever become James Bond after Daniel Craig. (I really would like him to be James Bond!) I mean, how could he when he's tied playing Superman for years, and who knows if there may be more Man from UNCLE movies. Also, this seems to be another role in the action genre. It would be nice if he does other types of roles (ie drama, historical, romantic comedy, comedy) as he has proven he can do varied roles in the past. (I always think I liked him the best in The Tudors.) I mean even Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain Evans) and Christian Bale (Batman) have taken on non-action/super hero roles and they're all great movie stars/actors. I think Henry (with his talents) can be just as great as them.
ReplyDeleteLOL - "Nooooo - this means he probably won't be James Bond!" was EXACTLY the first thought that came to mind the second I read this news haha!
DeleteTotally off-topic, but Christian Bale is in another galaxy compared to any of the other actors mentioned here--he's got mad skillz. He completely stole the movie "the Fighter," and his performance in American Hustle was also insane. He's got some proven chops, and has had a varied career. Not to slag the other actors mentioned above, but Christian Bale is def. an actor.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above poster who said they'd like to see Henry step into more period pieces, drama, etc. There was that rumor a while back that he was up for Ben-Hur, which would have been awesome, as it's such an awesome story. And Chuck Heston is iconic in the role, but it seems like it wouldn't be too hard to out-act him, so it would be a good opportunity for whoever gets the role. Maybe HC could even play the baddie, Messala. That would be fun, I imagine. Anyways...great chat!
Agree with you about Christian Bale being a very good actor. While he may be in a "different galaxy" compared to Chris Evans and Henry Cavill, I think he's on par with Robert Downey Jr. Before he took on Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr was in a lot of drama, quirky independent movies where he performed very well and have been nominated for Oscars. However, the point I was trying to make when I mentioned these actors is the fact that while they (and other actors like Hugh Jackman) seem to be making the effort to pick roles totally different from their superhero roles to show and challenge their acting abilities, it seems a bit odd Henry Cavill is doing the opposite and seems to be going towards action movies. I hate to say it but when I saw the picture of the Stratton book cover posted here, all I could think of is that Stratton looks like someone who should be joining Stallone's The Expendables team or this decade's version of Chuck Norris' action movies from the 80s. I'm not a big fan of this action genre.
DeleteI suppose this type of movies makes a lot of money, and as I recall in his GQ interview, Henry Cavill was quite pragmatic and honest in openly saying this is important to him.
I hear what you're saying, and share your sensibilities re: action movies. As I submitted that last comment, I realized that I really don't know much about Downey Jr.'s career, and that he does seem a bit more skilled that Evans et. al., and I had vague recollections of him doing a lot of other things pre-Iron Man. (Actually, I don't really follow any actors' carrers forensically.) But maybe Cavill will diversify in time--it took George Clooney years of being a pretty face/smarmy guy in rom-coms and Ocean's 11 type movies before he started broadening his horizons and showing the world a bit more of his mind. And look at Matthew McConaughey--certainly no one ever expected him to turn into an actor, and yet it seems to be happening now, after years of unbearable rom-coms. So you never know. It's not that even "serious" actors "shouldn't" mix it up with action movies, but if I were Cavill, I'd want to avoid a path that would lead to people thinking I was a one-trick pony, especially because he's kind of in the early stages of being a bigger name. But maybe the whole SBS army thing is just such a passion of his that he couldn't pass up the opportunity, even if it's not an entirely strategic move if the goal is to build an acting career with a broader scope.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insightful response. I think you have articulated well what I think and have been trying to say. While it is nice he is pursuing a role he is passionate about, I think it would be beneficial for him to try building "an acting career with a broader scope" to "avoid people thinking that he is a one-trick pony". And as you said, he may indeed broaden the type of roles he is playing in the future.
DeleteI'm a big fan of Henry Cavill, think he's one of the sexiest beings in the planet and hope he'll have a long successful career, and more importantly, a happy life. However, I wouldn't go as far as agreeing with every single choice he makes or think that every single choice/act/movie he's done/doing is "perfect" or "great".
Yes, it seems we’re on the same wavelength, here , and apparently have similar ideas of where we’d like to see HC’s career go—surely, he’d take our anonymous opinions to heart if he was aware of them ;) But yeah, there is crushing on a movie star because he’s absurdly handsome/beautiful, and then there is putting him (and everything he says and does) on an irrational pedestal. Of course, I think most people fangirl/guy on him the way they do because, on top of the preternaturally handsome appearance, he comes across as a very genuine and friendly person in the public contexts in which we hear about him, and he cares about some charitable causes, etc., so that just adds to the fantasy. But in the end he’s just a guy living his life like the rest of us, so here’s to wishing someone who seems like a nice guy well. But seriously, if he did appear in a Ben-Hur remake, and give a decent performance, I might actually end up fangirling him in an unembarrassed, non-anonymous way… well, probably not, but that of all things would draw me nearer to that point than most things would, and I virtually never objectify and fangirl people! Something about this guy strikes a chord, though… it’s like he’s been genetically engineered to make people swoon. That in itself will probably end up carrying him a certain distance in his career. Fun chatting with you!
DeleteYes, I agree, he seems "genetically engineered to make people swoon". There are other actors I could name who has this genetic ability (eg Chris Evans, Alexander Skarsgard, Jake Gyllenhal, Idris Elba). Technically though, I don't swoon, but I do buy an awful lot of their movies (or TV series) on DVD even though sometimes, at the end of the day, I find some of their movies kinda suck...LOL! But no matter, I just use the remote, fast forward and stare at them when they show up on the screen and suddenly a lousy day isn't so lousy anymore. :-)
DeleteDowney Jr. is an Oscar-nominated dramatic actor. When the rest of the Avengers were still playing with action figures.
ReplyDeleteWhen he first signed for Iron Man, those of us who had followed his career were very surprised.
Of course, he also had some not-great rom-coms to his 'credit' as well.
Every actor has their strengths. I don't know if I would say RDJ is "more skilled" than Evans. Evans is very talented. Much more so than people seem to give him credit for. And I find him less exhausting to watch, given RDJs anxiety-driven high energy and speech patterns.
"RDJs anxiety-driven high energy and speech patterns" - I think he's fantastic, but also completely agree with this statement. Pretty much every movie I've seen him in has that same personality trait, which has made me wonder if he's just being himself.
DeleteI agree with you. I think Evans is very talented and I do prefer him to RDJ. But I do acknowledge that RDJ has been in the business longer so he's had a chance to do more roles. I also recall than in his earlier films (eg Less Than Zero, The Singing Detective or Chaplin) he wasn't as anxiety-driven or as hyper as he seems to be these days.
DeleteThe fact is Henry has to prove he can carry a movie, before any studio will start offering him, or giving him the freedom, to do other types of movies.
ReplyDeleteAnd he hasn't done that yet. Man of Steel doesn't count - the general audience did not go to see it because Henry Cavill was in it (yes, ladies, except for you). People went to see it because it was a Superman movie.
Much the same way that Jennifer Lawrence hasn't yet proven she can carry a movie - everything she's been in has been either ensemble, or supporting roles, or had a built-in audience.
If Stratton is a big hit on its release, he'll get a little more power. Why? Because it will prove that no only will people go and see a movie with him in the lead but that he also has a nose for material as a producer.
As much as we may all love him, right now he just doesn't have the power to go to a studio and demand they let him make MacBeth. He's a working actor for hire. Producing an action movie, that may lead to a profitable franchise could change all that and take his career to the next level.
makes sense
DeleteI think Henry's choices are very good and suit his interests well. Henry's family/brothers are involved in the military and he has said previously that if he wasn't acting, he'd probably have gone into the military as well. So, experiencing these Stratton stories via filmmaking involves both. One reason some actors do rom-com/drama/quirky indy films (not that there's anything wrong with them, many of them are terrific) is that they aren't offered larger starring roles in meatier, more serious films earlier on in their careers (re: Downey, Clooney, Pitt and Wahlberg...they made Ironman, Monument Men, Fury and Lone Survivor, etc. after years of doing other kinds of films. In other words...after being well-established, proven solid and they have resources, they chose to do the kinds of film Henry is doing with his production company--Stratton). Military/"action/suspense" stories are worth telling because the men in them gave their lives/put their lives at risk so that others may live. Some of us wouldn't even be around to bitch about these films if the men in them hadn't lived. The reason some aren't complaining about these other guys doing the military/action films is because they've done a lot of the other kind as well. So, I don't think it's necessary to complain about Henry doing Stratton just because he hasn't done a reservoir of rom-com/quirky indy roles (that may or may not have suited his interests).
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the genre--comedy, drama, action-suspense, etc.--the Story has to be good (otherwise, it's doesn't matter as much if the acting in it is good or not). It's about the story--not just the acting. And any kind of film can have an actor playing a role that fits any comedic/dramatic seriousness/silliness that the story needs--regardless of if it's comedy/drama/action/suspense. Henry has already proven that he can do comedy/drama well and has nothing to prove (watch his other films). And he is as good (and better) as any actor out there...regardless of if he changes his appearance/accent or not. It's about embodiment of a character. He knows how to do it well.
Now...the thing that's interesting with the Superman role...is that Henry plays Superman so well, people think he is Superman in real life. So...is he acting with this role? Yes, while telling the Alien's story--that's Kal-El's story, not HC's, (but as with every actor), there are elements of the Henry Cavill character that come through onscreen and off...which makes him perfect for this role. He doesn't just sell HOPE (what the "S" stands for) at the theatre, but IS HOPE out in public too. Just look at how many people are thrilled to see him when he makes an appearance somewhere. He understands that. Some (like Zack Snyder) say, it's because he's not acting, it's just who he is. Well...that's a real compliment and true. But to give his acting skills credit as well--he had to learn an American accent to play the part on film...and Clark's emotional reactions to death/loss/Lois/his mom/everything are very convincing/well played.
Something that's hard to understand...is that when an actor gains 50 lbs. of fat and shaves his head, he is given more "acting" credit as playing a part authentically than if he transforms himself by getting into shape lifting weights like Henry/Ben have done. But it's harder and more challenging to gain muscle/sculpt the body than fat. It's hard to understand why the athletic performances of "action" films are often overlooked by people who talk about great acting, because the skill/ability involved with physical roles should also be considered as something/part of the acting talent. IMO. It's about Total Delivery of the Performance.
The beautiful thing about Henry is that he thinks the people love him because people relate to him as Superman, but it's really more because they just like HIM--Henry Cavill...his energy that he has himself. If he was a jerk in real life (even if he played the role of Superman for a film) people would pick up on it/figure it out and he would not have the friend/fan base that he does. In other words, he's the real deal. A genuinely good man onscreen and off. But anyway...
DeleteThe thing to realize here too in terms of some of the things mentioned is that when you do your thing out there in public for the masses--not just as an actor, but anyone--famous or not...it shows who you are as a person on the planet--so you make choices. When you become a world-wide icon that millions of little kids/people look up to...you are now a role model to society that is emulated/copied/followed. It's a big responsibility. It means you can't do some things (whether it's in a film or not/in real life). Often the dysfunctional/abusive/sick/sad/grotesque looking/disgusting behavior acting roles win an award if the "acting is good" or it's interesting to watch. And it might show you have good acting skills, but what else is it doing (that includes repugnant, disgusting, disgraceful, pathetic, immoral, damaged characters who might have elements we can all understand, relate/empathize with to a degree). There's nothing wrong with some of these roles (and some of them are very good/have lessons in them), but there's nothing right with some of them either. Now...this is not to say that Henry is not free to do what he wants, but he has reached a higher level of influence now and so must understand the elements that go with it. So he has less freedom to do some things, but also has more freedom to choose other things--better things. He has better choices now.
And not to impugn the discussion of rom-coms/quirky independent films (because they often have more value than some of the bigger budgeted ones), but why should he choose roles/something that doesn't even interest him just to cater to everyone else's interests (including doing quirky character parts just to "prove he can act"? That's silly). There has to be a good reason to do it. He can do those roles after he's done doing the bigger ones IF he feels like it. He has many interests...including ancient Greek/Roman/Historical periods as well (and before one reduces that and labels it in a box called "action film"...one might do well to remember that Russell Crowe got an Oscar playing Maximus in "Gladiator." So...perhaps some "action films" could be considered "dramatic" when the storyline is good/involves drama...and the acting talent of [super]heroes can be considered something as well...seeing as how they struggle with human issues/trials/tribulations/experience b.s. too...proving that the actors who play these roles can "act" just as well as someone who undergoes a complete physical transformation as a result of spending 3 months at Dunkin Donuts all day followed by too many drinks down at the Blue Dolphin Bar and walks with a limp/tic. We love these roles too, but they aren't the only ones that prove someone can act.
One definition of good acting is the complete/accurate representation/embodiment of a character (regardless of the character). Some characters are more difficult to play than others. What makes one role interesting to play...or not...depends on who wants to play it. Actors who have choices usually choose roles that resonate with their interests. That's the way I'd play it too...and I think that's what Henry's doing.
About your comment: "Military/"action/suspense" stories are worth telling because the men in them gave their lives/put their lives at risk so that others may live. Some of us wouldn't even be around to bitch about these films if the men in them hadn't lived."
DeleteAt the risk of being a "bit off topic", but it may be worth pointing out that in some parts of the globe, people may not warm up so much to military stories simply because based on their experience, they have great difficulty perceiving military men (or women) as being "heroic" figures at all. For these people, military figures are figures to fear (or maybe hate) because they have loved ones who cannot "bitch"/complain about movies or pretty much anything else because military figures have violated their human rights or simply just led to their "disappearance".
Yes, I think the idea of the military can mean a lot of different things to different people. I also think that action movies have a rep (rightly so) for featuring fairly static, generic characters rather than dynamic ones. But that isn't always the case, and maybe because these stories are based on the real-life experiences of a real guy, the character might have a bit more depth. But there are a lot of people who would point out that a character with a "meaty" physique doesn't necessarily translate into a character with meaty depths... think of the McBane Simpsons spoofs--those exist for a reason. I know people who watch Steven Segal movies ironically, because they're so over the top. Anywho, not all action characters have to be cookie-cutter, so here's hoping this character proves to be enjoyable. I like what Daniel Craig did with Bond, the shallowest of all fictional heroes, so anything's possible.
DeleteYou are right, your comment is more than a "bit off topic"--it throws the baby out with the bath water. I can understand examining exceptions to a rule (which is useful when needing to make improvements/change within a system--and I want to show that the respect and consideration it deserves), but overgeneralized statements regarding specific problematic occurrences (which were not even further elaborated on in detail in order to be examined properly) and that negate all the good done by the thousands of service men and women (and specific heroic individuals) who've sacrificed their lives (whose sacrifices have been by and large appreciated by millions)...is somewhat ridiculous to do here on this particular page when considering Henry's film choices/military interests/associations and the actual real life stories/work done by good service men/women who've done much to protect/serve others.
DeleteI wrote "Military/"action/suspense" stories are worth telling because the men in them gave their lives/put their lives at risk so that others may live." The guys in my family have been in the military and my best friend was killed in the service over in Iraq protecting the guys around him from terrorists and people in a country not his own (many of whom will never know/remember him). It's not a happy memory to know he (and others died) fighting to protect innocent people from harm, but to remember his (and others like him) service/sacrifice is worthwhile at times for the people who enjoy the freedom and protection that they provided by giving the ultimate sacrifice. The only reason we enjoy the freedom we have to do anything (including bitch and comment) is because of the individuals who made sacrifices in the past.
So...to ignore all the good that the servicemen/women have done (that many people of the countries involved in conflict/war have expressed enormous gratitude for) by focusing solely on exceptions to the rule/problems within a system that need to be further examined to see just what exactly is being referred to...has nothing to do with my point (and is not the theme of Stratton or the films being referred to)--even though I've experienced as much or more loss/problems/issues than perhaps the average movie goer in terms of surviving the affects of conflict/war and the resulting military involvement with it.
There's always exceptions to a rule, but to focus on the exception entirely while overlooking the rule in general is not thorough enough or fair to a subject matter. I didn't come here to debate, but to add to the discussion in terms of seeing a Bigger Picture while looking at some of the specifics. That's all. There is a time and place to continue a more detailed discussion/therapy regarding some of the sentiments above this comment, but I don't think it's here on this page. In other words, it's turning into something that is no longer about Henry's film/production company but something that sounds like it needs specialized therapy (which I understand, but...can't spend the time to further discuss here). Anyway...enough said. Peace out.
I personally appreciate you sharing your thoughts, and am sorry to hear that you've suffered loss. I don't think anyone meant any disrespect to those who have sacrificed so much for ideals they strongly believe in. I think it was meant actually, to be a sensitive statement to those who have experienced certain types of trauma. I hope there are very few people out there who aren't deeply thankful and respectful of the sacrifices of others. I just thought I'd say this, since I think everyone commenting here wants to get along, even if different opinions about movies/roles/HC's career trajectory are shared. This discussion really did veer off, in a way, but it was sort of interesting, too. Take care, and thanks for sharing :)
DeleteJames Bond is past its "sell-by" date. Time to introduce a new character to the movie world and Henry Cavill is just the right guy to do that. He can bring his own take to Stratton without having any Bond baggage and I, for one, am 100% behind him all the way. He is gutsy, gorgeous and humanely vulnerable. So ... "My name Stratton - John Stratton, and I am here to stir and you will shaken!" Good luck Dashing Duke.
ReplyDeleteI AGREE!!! (y) :D
DeleteAbout James Bond being past its "sell-by" date... To quote Sheldon's mother from The Big Bang Theory, "That is your opinion. It is not a fact." :-)
DeleteWith the last James Bond film making over $1.1 billion at the box office as well as scoring 2 BAFTS and 2 Oscars AND being the 7th biggest-earning film of all time - I'd love to know what your definition of "past its sell-by date" is...
DeleteI have to respectfully disagree, as well. Daniel Craig and Judi Dench did wonders for this franchise. If anything, I've found all of the other Bond movies until the most recent three to be incredibly stale.
DeleteStratton is a different character than Bond. Maybe he can do BOTH...in time...if it's possible for Henry to and he wants to. Perhaps Craig wants to do it for a while yet still anyway. By the time Craig's done playing the character, maybe it would be offered to Henry. Time will tell...but Henry may be doing something different then, too...Who knows... :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can have another BvS? Bond vs Stratton. Craig vs Cavill. Wouldn't that be something to behold!
DeleteLOL...Whatever works...
DeleteAnd hey, Henry did a great job bringing depth and sincerity to a superhero that a lot of people find "boring," so I'm sure that he knows what he is about, even if this is yet another action role. Sending positive energy, and wishing him well.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. HC is one of the most hardworking, and genuinely compassionate people working in Hollywood today. Trust me when I say that there are very few people like that left...LOL! I am so proud of everything that he has accomplished ranging from his various charity work, to his production company. I feel like some people (for whatever reason) will still criticize, or find fault with whatever path he chooses to go down, or whatever particular choices that he makes.
DeleteI will say that I believe that the man is equally just as intelligent as he is gorgeous ;) He knows exactly what he is doing in that he knows exactly what is right for HIM. IMO, I think that he'll be plenty successful with his future endeavors...business, or otherwise.
I can only hope that 'Super Cav-El' also remembers how PRECIOUS, and LOVED he truly is by so many :)
I AGREE...(y) :) <3
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